Many are confused over Kentucky’s Senate Bill 181, banning online personal communication between students and teachers.

Senate Bill 181 has required all public schools in Kentucky to implement a traceable communication system within their schools, such as school emails or school-approved monitored apps. Parent Square and Student Square are two apps designed specifically for this purpose, allowing coaches, teachers, parents, and students to communicate safely.

Our world today relies heavily on technology to communicate with others; unfortunately, the younger population is more susceptible to harm online because of this. Many adults have found a way to use technology to harm students, whether that is sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct. With technology rapidly changing every day, more and more people are becoming aware of the dangers and risks that come with digital communication.

“It requires communication to have mechanisms that are traceable. So if there is something inappropriate, you can go back, you can research it, you can identify it, and then you follow up with consequences or legal charges.” Said Mr. Diaz.  

Senate Bill 181 was created to provide an environment where parents and students feel safe about the way they are able to connect with their school. “‘As KSBA says, the “spirit of the bill is . . . protecting students, encouraging more parental involvement and safeguarding school communications.’” 

Here at Fredrick Douglass, we want to get kids prepared as much as possible for the next level, whether that is college or simply sophomore year,” said Coach McPeek. “With this being said, it is important to keep in mind that if we want our students to be successful, communication is one of the key factors to ensure success. “I think that it was really important that if the parents allow me to communicate with them that I need to just for college recruiting purposes … a lot of our guys that are good want to try to play at the next level, I got to be able to communicate that with them.”  

There are still some wrinkles and variations that need to be worked out with the bill, so what we need to do is to accept that our government is only trying to protect us, and all we can do is move forward from here. 

For more information on Senate Bill 181, visit the Kentucky General Assembly & Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of the Attorney General.